Dwayne Johnson Praises Danny DeVito as Veteran Star Wraps Filming on Upcoming Jumanji Installment
Los Angeles (ET) — Dwayne Johnson marked what he called an "official Jumanji wrap" for Danny DeVito, sharing candid behind-the-scenes photos and a warm message that celebrated the actor’s contribution to the franchise. The tribute mixes gratitude, humor and a clear admiration for DeVito’s long career as production advances on the next chapter of the rebooted series, which is slated for release in December 2026.
A warm on-set farewell
Johnson posted a series of three intimate set photographs showing embraces, laughter and the kind of easy camaraderie that has become a hallmark of these productions. In his caption he wrote, "That’s an official Jumanji wrap on the one and the only, Danny DeVito. To work with you, and learn from you has been an honor — and to call you my friend, will always be a privilege. " He went on to thank DeVito for being the franchise’s "anchoring heart and JOY, " then added a playful aside about vanity: "please keep smilin’ and please keep exfoliating the top of your head. "
The message struck a chord with fans: within hours the post had drawn tens of thousands of likes and comments praising DeVito’s enduring screen presence and the bond among the ensemble. The photographs emphasize that, beyond effects and action sequences, the emotional glue between cast members often defines the tone of these films.
What the wrap means for the franchise
The Jumanji reboot — relaunched in 2017 and followed by ensemble-driven sequels — has evolved into one of the studio’s modern tentpoles, crossing the billion-dollar mark globally. The series pairs blockbuster set pieces with comic chemistry, and DeVito’s involvement has added a distinctive blend of warmth and deadpan comedy that lifted several key moments. He stars alongside a group that includes Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan, a lineup whose interplay has frequently been called the franchise’s secret weapon.
Director Jake Kasdan is back at the helm for this installment, anchoring a production that aims to balance spectacle with character-driven beats. While DeVito’s wrap signals the end of his time on set, it does not automatically signal the end of the series; however, Johnson’s affectionate send-off suggested that the production team recognizes the moment as significant for both cast and fans. If this chapter does serve as a final roll of the dice for certain storylines, the film will close one era of the reboot with a note of genuine gratitude.
DeVito’s place in the reboot’s legacy
At 81, DeVito has brought decades of comedic timing and a distinct presence to the modern Jumanji universe. Audiences have connected with earlier standout elements of the reboot — including memorable body-swap gags and fish-out-of-water comedy — and DeVito’s performance has been highlighted as a warm counterpoint to the more action-oriented sequences. The public appreciation expressed in Johnson’s post served as a reminder of how veteran talent can shape the tone and emotional core of a franchise, even amid heavy visual effects and globe-trotting adventures.
Production will press on to complete remaining sequences with the ensemble and post-production teams now moving toward editing and effects work ahead of the December 2026 release window. For now, fans have paused to celebrate an on-set milestone: a veteran performer honored by a co-star who framed the moment as both professional respect and genuine friendship.
